Inside the Schedule

Vikings season-ticket holders are going to need time to get to know this year's team. After opening on the road against the Lions and Bears, a home date against the Browns gives way to a London voyage to face the Steelers. Minnesota's second home game doesn't happen until mid-October. Then it gets nasty. Starting in Week 7, the Vikings face Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, Robert Griffin III, Russell Wilson and Rodgers again. If the Vikings escape intact, last year was no fluke.

Key Game

Week 8 vs. Packers
Greg Jennings has a chance to show the Packers they made a grave mistake by letting him go. Green Bay made quick work of Minnesota in the playoffs, and this Sunday night rematch comes right in the middle of a tough stretch for Minnesota. Christian Ponder is on the hook to win a duel through the air. Keeping pace on national TV with Aaron Rodgers -- by way of Rodgers' former wideout -- would go a long way.